HMS LADY OF THE ISLES - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS *Lady of the Isles* is a proper piece of Cornish history, sitting upright and surprisingly intact at 50 metres. She started life as a Scillies ferry, then became a salvage vessel, and finally a cable ship before she went down in 1940. We love how her story plays out underwater; you can still see the lines of her ferry days, even with the years of growth on her hull. Descending onto the wreck, you'll feel the chill of the deep Atlantic water, a stark contrast to the lively colours colonising her. Deadman’s fingers bloom from every surface, and the stern, in particular, is a riot of jewel anemones and hydroids. We’ve often seen conger eels poking their heads from inside the collapsed holds, and there are always plenty of squat lobsters scuttling around. This is a dive for experienced technical divers, comfortable with deeper air or mixed gas, who appreciate a wreck with a genuine narrative. Explore her carefully; the visibility here can be challenging, but on a good day, the sight of her masts reaching up into the gloom is something else. Our top tip: dive her on a slack tide, otherwise, you'll be fighting a significant current.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.143917, -4.905417
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
50m

Marine Protected Area: Carricknath Point to Porthbean Beach

Best Time to Dive in Cornwall & Devon

The warmest water temperatures in Cornwall & Devon occur in January, averaging 9.6°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 9.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 9.6°C (air: 7.3°C)
  • February: 9.6°C (air: 8.4°C)
  • March: 9.6°C (air: 8.6°C)
  • April: 9.6°C (air: 10.1°C)
  • May: 9.6°C (air: 12.6°C)
  • June: 9.6°C (air: 15.2°C)
  • July: 9.6°C (air: 16.6°C)
  • August: 9.6°C (air: 17.1°C)
  • September: 9.6°C (air: 15.9°C)
  • October: 9.6°C (air: 13.5°C)
  • November: 9.6°C (air: 10.7°C)
  • December: 9.6°C (air: 8.7°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Cornwall & Devon

Nearest Dive Centres to HMS LADY OF THE ISLES

Marine Life in Cornwall & Devon

Home to 192 recorded species including 93 reef fish, 18 sharks & rays, 13 whales & dolphins, 11 crabs & lobsters, 11 other, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for HMS LADY OF THE ISLES

Based on average water temperature of 9.6°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 10°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving the HMS LADY OF THE ISLES wreck site?
The HMS LADY OF THE ISLES wreck site is found at a depth of 50m. Divers exploring this historic merchant vessel should be prepared for deep diving conditions. This depth requires appropriate training and experience.
What marine life and historical artifacts can divers expect to see on the HMS LADY OF THE ISLES?
Divers exploring the HMS LADY OF THE ISLES can expect to encounter a fascinating historical wreck, originally built in 1875 as a ferry and later serving as a salvage ship and HM Cable Ship before its sinking in 1940. While specific marine life details are not provided in the data, the wreck itself offers a significant glimpse into maritime history.
How difficult is the HMS LADY OF THE ISLES dive, and is it suitable for beginner or advanced divers?
The HMS LADY OF THE ISLES dive is classified as intermediate difficulty, primarily due to its depth of 50m. This depth makes it unsuitable for beginner divers and more appropriate for experienced divers with advanced certifications. Divers should possess the skills and training for deep wreck diving.
What is the best time of year or tidal window to dive the HMS LADY OF THE ISLES for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year or specific tidal windows for optimal diving conditions at the HMS LADY OF THE ISLES is not available in the provided data. Divers should consult local dive operators in Cornwall & Devon for current conditions and recommendations.
What diving certifications are required or recommended to safely explore the HMS LADY OF THE ISLES?
Given the HMS LADY OF THE ISLES is an intermediate difficulty wreck dive at 50m, certifications such as Deep Diver and potentially Wreck Diver are highly recommended. These certifications ensure divers have the necessary training and experience for safe exploration at this depth. Always dive within your certification limits.
Are there significant currents or challenging water conditions to be aware of when diving the HMS LADY OF THE ISLES near Falmouth?
The provided data for the HMS LADY OF THE ISLES does not include specific details about significant currents or challenging water conditions. Divers planning to explore this site in Cornwall & Devon should consult local dive centers for up-to-date information on site conditions before their dive.